Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Aqua Soft Water Systems

Maintaining a water softener system might seem like a daunting task, but with a little know-how, it’s quite straightforward. Proper upkeep ensures your system runs efficiently, prolonging its lifespan and keeping your water soft and clean. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to maintain a water softener, focusing on checking salt levels, cleaning the brine tank, removing salt bridges, and replacing resin. Let’s dive in!

How To Check The Water Softener Salt Level

Keeping an eye on your water softener’s salt level is crucial for its effective operation. Here’s how to check it:

Locate the Salt Tank: First, find the salt tank of your water softener. This is usually a separate, large tank next to the control unit.
Open the Lid: Remove the lid to access the salt inside.
Inspect the Salt Level: Use a long stick or a measuring tool to gauge the salt level. Ideally, there should be enough salt to cover the water in the tank, which is usually around half-full.
Add Salt if Needed: If the salt level is low, add more salt, ensuring it’s suitable for your water softener type.

Regular checks on how to check water softener salt can prevent issues with softening efficiency and ensure your system is always ready to deliver soft water.

H2 – The Importance of Regular Water Softener System Maintenance

A water softener system is a valuable investment that protects your plumbing, appliances, and overall water quality. However, like any other home system, regular maintenance is essential to keep it working efficiently. Without proper upkeep, your water softener may lose effectiveness, leading to hard water buildup, reduced efficiency, and even costly repairs. Let’s explore why routine maintenance is crucial and how you can keep your system running smoothly.

1. Extends the Lifespan of Your Water Softener

A well-maintained water softener can last 10-15 years, while a neglected one may fail much sooner. Hard water minerals, salt buildup, and resin bed clogs can reduce your system’s efficiency over time. Regular cleaning and inspections help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your system.

2. Ensures Effective Hard Water Removal

Over time, sediment, iron, and mineral deposits can accumulate in your system, reducing its ability to remove hardness from water. If left unchecked, this can lead to scale buildup in pipes, dry skin, and soap scum on dishes and fixtures. Routine maintenance keeps your system running at peak performance, ensuring soft, high-quality water every day.

3. Prevents Salt Bridges and Resin Bed Clogs

Salt bridges occur when a hard crust forms in the brine tank, preventing proper regeneration. Resin beds can also become clogged with iron and sediment, making the system less effective. Regularly checking the salt levels, cleaning the brine tank, and flushing the resin bed helps maintain the system’s efficiency and prevents these common issues.

4. Saves Money on Repairs and Energy Bills

A poorly maintained water softener works harder than necessary, using more water, salt, and energy. This leads to higher utility bills and increased wear and tear on your appliances. Routine maintenance ensures your system operates efficiently, reducing costs and preventing expensive repairs.

5. Improves Water Quality and Pressure

A clogged or malfunctioning water softener can cause low water pressure and inconsistent water quality. Regular maintenance removes blockages, keeps the system clean, and ensures a steady flow of soft water throughout your home.

How To Check the Water Softener Salt Level

Keeping an eye on your water softener’s salt level is one of the most important steps in maintaining your system. The salt in your brine tank plays a key role in removing hard water minerals, ensuring that your water softener continues to function properly. If the salt level gets too low, the system won’t be able to regenerate properly, leading to hard water issues like scale buildup, dry skin, and soap scum on dishes and appliances.

Checking your salt level regularly helps prevent these problems and ensures your water softener is working at its best. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check and maintain the right salt level in your system.

1. Locate the Salt Tank

The first step is to find the salt tank in your water softener system. This is typically the larger tank next to the main control unit. It’s sometimes called the brine tank because it holds the salt and water mixture (brine) needed for the regeneration process.

2. Open the Lid

Once you’ve found the salt tank, carefully remove the lid to access the salt inside. Some tanks have removable covers, while others may have hinged lids. Be cautious when opening the lid, especially if there is built-up moisture, as it can cause salt to clump together.

3. Inspect the Salt Level

Now that you have access to the salt, it’s time to check the current level inside the tank. There are a few ways to do this:

Visual Inspection – Look inside the tank to see if the salt is covering the water. Ideally, the salt level should be at least halfway full and above the waterline.
Use a Measuring Stick – If you want a more precise measurement, insert a long stick, ruler, or dowel into the tank. When you pull it out, you’ll see how deep the salt is compared to the water level.
Check for Salt Bridges – While checking the salt level, also look for salt bridges—hardened layers of salt that can form at the top of the tank while empty space remains underneath. If a crust has formed, gently break it apart with a broom handle or soft object.

4. Add Salt if Needed

If the salt level is low or below the halfway mark, it’s time to add more salt. Follow these tips to ensure proper refilling

Use the Right Type of Salt – Most water softeners work best with evaporated salt pellets, which dissolve efficiently and leave less residue. Avoid using rock salt, as it contains more impurities that can lead to clogging.
Slowly Pour the Salt – Add salt carefully to avoid spillage or dust clouds. Fill the tank until the salt is at least three to four inches above the waterline but no more than two-thirds full.
Break Up Any Clumps – If there are any hardened chunks of salt in the tank, break them apart to ensure even distribution.

5. Set a Regular Schedule for Checking the Salt Level

To prevent low salt levels from affecting your water softener’s efficiency, make it a habit to check the salt every four to six weeks. The frequency may vary depending on

Household Water Usage – Larger households or homes with high water consumption may require more frequent refilling.
Water Hardness Levels – Areas with very hard water may require more salt to remove minerals effectively.
Water Softener Size – Larger softeners hold more salt and may not need refilling as often.

6. Watch for Signs of Low Salt Levels

Sometimes, your water softener will show signs that it’s running low on salt before you check the tank. Be on the lookout for

Hard Water Symptoms – If you notice soap scum, stiff laundry, dry skin, or spotty dishes, your softener may not be working properly due to low salt.
Changes in Water Pressure – A clogged or inefficient system due to salt issues may cause low water pressure in your home.
Unusual Noises from the Softener – If your system is struggling to regenerate due to insufficient salt, it may produce grinding or clicking sounds.

7. Schedule Routine Water Softener Maintenance

Beyond just checking salt levels, routine maintenance helps keep your system in top shape. Here are some additional maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

Clean the Brine Tank – Over time, salt residue and sediment can build up inside the tank. Cleaning it every six months to a year prevents blockages and improves efficiency.
Flush the Resin Bed – The resin beads inside the softener help remove hard minerals. Using a resin cleaner periodically keeps them working effectively.
Inspect the System for Leaks or Clogs – Ensure there are no issues with the valves, tubing, or drainage system that could affect performance.

Signs Your Water Softener Needs a Thorough Cleaning

A water softener is essential for keeping hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium out of your home’s plumbing system. But like any appliance, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep functioning at its best. Over time, sediment, salt buildup, and iron deposits can affect its efficiency, leading to poor water quality and potential system damage. If you’re noticing any of these signs, it may be time for a thorough water softener cleaning.

1. Soap No Longer Lathers Properly

One of the biggest benefits of a working water softener is softer water that lathers well with soap. If you notice that your shampoo, body wash, or dish soap isn’t foaming as easily as before, hard water minerals may be sneaking back into your supply. This is a clear sign that your water softener is struggling and could be clogged with salt or mineral deposits.

2. Stiff Laundry and Soap Residue on Dishes

If your clothes feel rough after washing or your dishes have white spots and soap scum, your water softener may not be working efficiently. Hard water leaves behind deposits on fabrics and glassware, making them appear dull and scratchy. A thorough cleaning of your system can help restore proper softening function and eliminate these issues.

3. A Drop in Water Pressure

Low water pressure throughout your home could be caused by clogs inside your water softener system. Over time, sediment, salt bridges, and iron deposits can build up, restricting the flow of water through the softener. If you’re noticing weaker water pressure at faucets and showers, it’s time to inspect and clean your system.

4. Strange Tastes or Odors in Water

A properly working water softener improves water taste and eliminates odors caused by hard water minerals. If you suddenly notice a metallic taste, a musty smell, or a salty aftertaste in your water, your softener’s brine tank, resin bed, or filters may need cleaning. Bacteria and mold can also develop in a neglected system, further contributing to bad smells and tastes.

5. The Salt Tank is Full, But the Water Softener Isn’t Working

If your softener’s salt tank appears full, but your home is still experiencing hard water problems, this could mean your system isn’t properly regenerating. Common causes include:

Salt Bridges – Hardened salt layers form at the top of the brine tank, preventing salt from mixing with water.
Salt Mushing – Salt turns into a sludge-like substance at the bottom of the tank, blocking water flow.
Clogged Resin Bed – Iron and sediment buildup in the resin beads can prevent proper ion exchange.

A deep clean of the brine tank, resin bed, and softener valves can restore function and improve water quality.

6. The Water Softener is Regenerating More Often

If your system is regenerating more frequently than usual, it may be working harder than necessary due to blockages or inefficient softening cycles. A clogged or dirty system may require more salt and water than usual, leading to higher utility bills. Cleaning your system can reset performance and improve efficiency.

7. Visible Dirt or Sediment in the Brine Tank

A brine tank should be clean and free of buildup. If you notice dirt, sludge, or brownish residue inside the tank, your system needs a deep cleaning. A dirty brine tank can cause contamination and prevent proper salt dissolving, reducing softener effectiveness.

How To Clean A Brine Tank For A Water Softener

Cleaning the brine tank helps maintain the performance of your water softener. Here’s a simple guide on how to clean a brine tank for a water softener:

Turn Off the System: Before you start, switch off your water softener system to avoid any accidents.
Empty the Tank: Remove any remaining salt and water from the brine tank.
Clean the Tank: Use a mild detergent and water to scrub the inside of the tank. Avoid abrasive cleaners as they can damage the tank. A long-handled brush or sponge can help reach all corners.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the tank with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Reassemble: Once the tank is dry, refill it with new salt and turn the system back on.

Knowing how to clean a brine tank for a water softener ensures that your system remains free of impurities that could affect its performance.

How To Remove Salt Bridge From Water Softener

A salt bridge can obstruct the flow of brine in your water softener, reducing its effectiveness. Here’s how to remove it:

Check for a Salt Bridge: If you notice that your water softener isn’t regenerating properly, it might be due to a salt bridge. You can often tell by tapping the side of the tank and hearing a hollow sound.
Break Up the Bridge: Use a long stick or a broom handle to gently break up the salt bridge. Be careful not to damage the tank.
Remove the Salt: Once the bridge is broken, remove the loose salt and dispose of it.
Clean the Tank: As an extra step, clean the tank to remove any salt residue.

Understanding how to remove a salt bridge from a water softener can prevent maintenance issues and keep your system running smoothly.

By following these tips on how to maintain a water softener, you can ensure your system operates at peak performance, providing you with soft, clean water whenever you need it. For any further assistance or if you need professional help, don’t hesitate to contact Aqua Soft Water Systems. Our team of experts is here to ensure you get the most out of your water treatment system.

When Should You be Refilling the Salt in a Water Softener?

Water softeners use salt to remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause scaling in pipes and appliances. Keeping the right amount of salt in the brine tank is essential for maintaining an efficient water softening process. But how often should you refill the salt?

Checking Your Salt Levels

The frequency of refilling depends on your water usage and the type of water softener you have. On average, most households need to add salt every four to six weeks. However, larger households with higher water consumption may need to refill the salt more often. To check your salt levels, open the brine tank and inspect the salt level:

If the salt is above the water level, your system is working properly.
If you see standing water above the salt or the salt level is low, it’s time to add more.
If salt has formed a hard crust (known as bridging), break it up to prevent blockages.

Factors That Affect Salt Usage

Several factors influence how often you need to add salt:

Water hardness – Harder water requires more frequent regeneration, meaning more salt usage.
Household size – More people mean increased water usage, which leads to faster salt depletion.
Softener efficiency – Newer, high-efficiency models use salt more effectively and may require less frequent refilling.
Salt type – Pellet or crystal salt dissolves at different rates, affecting how often you need to refill.

Signs You Need to Refill

If you forget to check your salt levels, your water softener will give you warning signs, including:

Hard water symptoms returning (soap not lathering, spots on dishes, dry skin)
An increase in limescale buildup on faucets and appliances
A noticeable drop in water pressure

To keep your water softener running efficiently, make a habit of checking salt levels at least once a month.

When to Consider Water Softener Valve Replacement

The control valve is a critical component of a water softener, responsible for regulating water flow and regeneration cycles. Over time, valves can wear out, leading to inefficiencies and poor system performance. Knowing when to replace your water softener valve can prevent costly repairs and ensure your system continues working effectively.

Common Signs of a Faulty Water Softener Valve

A failing valve can cause several problems, including:

Inconsistent water softening – If your water softener isn’t consistently removing hardness, the valve may not be cycling correctly.
Frequent regeneration cycles – A malfunctioning valve can cause excessive regeneration, leading to increased salt and water usage.
Water leaks – If you notice leaks around the valve or near connections, it could indicate wear or internal damage.
Error codes – Many modern water softeners display error codes when there’s a problem with the valve. Check your user manual for troubleshooting tips.

When to Replace the Valve vs. Repairing It

Replace if the valve is over 10 years old, as parts may be difficult to find or costly to repair.
Repair if it’s a minor issue like a seal or O-ring replacement, which can be done at a lower cost.
Upgrade if you’re dealing with frequent failures—installing a newer, more efficient valve can improve performance and save on maintenance.

A professional inspection can determine whether replacing the valve is the best solution. If your water softener is aging or showing signs of inefficiency, replacing the valve can extend its lifespan and improve overall function.

Do You Need a Prefilter for Your Water Softener?

A prefilter is an additional filtration stage that removes sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants before water reaches your softener. While not always required, a prefilter can enhance the performance and longevity of your system.

Benefits of Using a Prefilter

Adding a prefilter to your water softener setup can provide multiple advantages:

Removes sediment and debris – Protects your water softener from clogging and damage caused by dirt, sand, or rust.
Extends the life of resin beads – Chlorine and iron can degrade the resin beads in your softener, reducing its efficiency over time. A prefilter removes these contaminants before they reach the softener.
Improves water taste and clarity – A carbon prefilter can remove chlorine and other chemicals that affect the taste and odor of your water.
Reduces maintenance – By trapping large particles before they reach your softener, a prefilter minimizes the need for frequent cleaning and servicing.

When Should You Install a Prefilter?

A prefilter is highly recommended if:

Your water comes from a well, as it may contain high levels of sediment or iron.
Your municipal water supply has high chlorine levels, which can damage the softener resin.
You notice discolored water, unusual odors, or visible debris in your water.

Types of Prefilters

Sediment filters – Capture dirt, sand, and rust particles. Ideal for well water systems.
Carbon filters – Remove chlorine, pesticides, and organic contaminants. Beneficial for city water supplies.
Iron filters – Specifically designed to reduce iron levels, preventing staining and resin damage.

Before installing a prefilter, consider your water quality and test for specific contaminants. Choosing the right prefilter will ensure your water softener works efficiently and lasts longer.

Keep Your Water Softener Running Efficiently

Maintaining your water softener is essential for ensuring a steady supply of soft water in your home or business. From regularly refilling salt to replacing worn-out valves and adding a prefilter, small steps can make a big difference in the performance and lifespan of your system.

At Aqua Soft Water Systems, we provide expert guidance, high-quality water softeners, and replacement parts to keep your system running at its best. Need help maintaining or upgrading your water softener? Contact us today to find the right solution for your home or business!

How to Maintain a Water Softener System